In loving memory of

William A. Brennan
December 31, 1969 - December 31, 1969

William A. Brennan, Jr., 89, of Indianapolis died April 26, 2007. He was born in Indianapolis to the late William A. Brennan Sr. and Helen Lyons on September 16, 1917. He was a 1935 graduate of Cathedral High School, a 1939 graduate of Georgetown University and received his MBA from Harvard University in 1941. On March 1, 1949 he married Martha Louise Smith who predeceased him in 2003 after 54 years of marriage.
He held many military, civic and business duties and honors. Of his military accomplishments, he was Captain of U.S. Army Ordnance during World War II between 1942 and 1946, Captain of U.S. Army Ordnance during the Korean War between 1950 and 1952, participated in both tours of duty as either Executive Officer or Chief Proof Officer, Jefferson Proving Ground in Madison, IN which was Quality Control of Ammunition produced for U.S. Army and as a civilian, was Indiana?s appointed Aide to the Secretary of Army 8 years.
Following his military duties, Bill served as President of W.A. Brennan, Inc., Commercial and Industrial Realtors from 1946 to 1997. From 1997 to 2007 he was a partner with his daughter, Martha Legue, at Brennan Associates, LLC. During his career in real estate he served as past President of the Metropolitan Board of Realtors and participated in several profound real estate transactions. He acquired for the State of Indiana DNR the Wyndotte Cave Property which is now a part of the Indiana State Parks System. He acquired the White River Park Commission?s first parcel of real estate which now consists of the 14 acre site of Victory Field. He negotiated sales for historic landmarks such as French Lick Springs Hotel and Resort and West Baden Springs Hotel and Resort. He developed the Four Winds Inn & Marina, on Lake Monroe and negotiated for the U.S. Forest Service the acquisition of Sycamore Flats Area boat ramp and picnic area in Hardin Ridge Recreation Area of Lake Monroe. He was instrumental in acquiring the real estate for the current St. Vincent?s Hospital North campus and the St. Augustine Home for the Aged. He represented the Sisters of Providence in the sale of Ladywood High School for a mixed use redevelopment, being Cathedral High School, Windridge Condominiums and the O?Malia?s shopping center.
His civic duties included President of the Board of Trustees for Indianapolis Marion County Building Authority, which planned, constructed and managed the current City County Building in Indianapolis, IN. He was Founding President of the Capital Improvement Board, which designed and built the original Convention Center. During his tenure as President of the Boy Scouts Crossroads of America Council, Camp Ransburg at Lake Monroe was developed. He was past President of the Board of Directors for St. Mary of the Woods College in Terre Haute, IN, a Charter Member of the Lay Board of Advisors of St. Vincent Hospital, and a past member of the Board of Directors of the St. Augustine Home for the Aged. He was a past member of the Board of Directors of the Former Merchants National Bank, now National City Bank, a Charter Member of Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee, and a Charter Member of the ?500? Festival Committee. He was a past member of Special Commission for Higher Education for the State of Indiana which allocated Federal Block Grants to State and Private institutions of higher education in the state.
Along with his civic and community involvement, Bill continued to stay involved in veteran affairs. He was Commander of American Legion Robert E. Kennington Post 34 in 1950 and 2004, and an over 50 year member of the Post. He served as Commander of 11th District of the Department of Indiana American Legion in 1955, Commander of Department of Indiana American Legion between 1958 and 1959, National Vice Commander of American Legion between 1962-1963, and National Chairman of Membership of American Legion for two terms.
Bill received many awards for his military, civic, community and professional involvement. In 1959, the State of Indiana awarded him the ?Sagamore of the Wabash?. Other awards include: ?Outstanding Citizen Indianapolis? Award; Junior Chamber of Commerce of Indianapolis Award; U.S. Army, ?Outstanding Civilian Service Award?; Silver Beaver Award from the Boy Scouts of America; St. George Medal from the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Indianapolis for Service to Youth; the American Legion Department of Indiana?s ?Distinguished Service Award?, and a Special Citation from National Headquarters for 50 years of Distinguished Service; the Metropolitan Indianapolis Board of Realtors and the Indiana Association of Realtors each awarded him the ?Realtor of the Year? Awards and Little Sisters of the Poor St. Joseph Award.
Bill was a long time active parishioner of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church of Indianapolis, and the founding President of its Parish Council; a 40 year member of Catholic Cemeteries Association of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Ind

Tributes

Helen M. Kent wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"I would like to extend by best wishes to the family of William A. Brennan, Jr.It was an honor to have met Bill, and to see his compassion for others evident in his words and actions. I was blessed to have had some wonderful conversations with Bill about faith, family, and contentment with life. His attitude toward mankind in general was powerful.It was my experience that he often held great optimism for others, not leaning toward negativity but expressing hope and giving the "benefit of the doubt" even in some difficult situations.His love for our Country and for his family was so strong, and his servant's heart was always eager to give.I was fortunate enough to have seen Bill with his family, albeit on only one accasion; but his love for them (which he expressed in many of the discussions we had) was so powerful.I pray for his family, for those who were touched by his great heart, and for those who knew him from his generosity, to carry the values he shared and espoused with them always.I pray that those who love him will be comforted in the fact that he has received the body Christ Jesus promised to all believers, free of pain, tears and suffering. I pray that his life will live on in memory and actions for those who's lives he touched with his God given spirit."

Jerry Kiefer wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"I had the pleasure of meeting Bill in late 2001. Bill, along with many others, was involved and instrumental in achieving a long overdue military award, the Purple Heart, for a then 103 year old resident of St. Augustine's Home. The resident, Gus Streeter, had served in WW I and was wounded in action. 83 years passed before Gus could claim his combat honor. At the age of 105, Gus was presented this prestigious award and Bill was a moving force to make it happen. Bill's dedication to veterans was always evident and his patriotism was unmatched. I will always remember Bill's gentle manner and his ready laugh. I am honored to have known him. "

Martha Brosnan Erickson wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"My dad, Daniel R. Brosnan worked for many years for Bill Brennan Sr. I grew up with Bill Jr. and knew the family. He was truly a beautiful man."

Kate and Morgan Burke wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Kate and I extend our thoughts and prayers to the family. We know Bill Jr has been reunited with your mom and probably is enjoying a reunion with Alice and Ailbe Burke among others. "

Elizabeth M. Burke, MD wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Maryanne and I went to college together. When I came to live in Indianapolis Mr. and Mrs. Brennan welcomed me into their home and we graciously shared many memorabe meals together. I can never thank Maryanne and her family enough for their generosity and providing me a "home away from home." I greatly admired Mr. and Mrs. Brennan. I know that they are with God now. I will keep the family in my prayers during this time of loss."

Anthony Jordan wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"To John and his family I'd just like to extend my deepest sympathy. "

Shirley Backer wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"My name is Shirley Backer(Mrs Herbert Backer) and I am writing to express my deep sympathy on the death of your father. My husband who died 12 years ago was an attorney and a close associate and admirer of Bill. They served together for years on the Capiol Improvement Board and had many business dealings together. Many times through the years Herb spoke of him and I know that he would have wanted me to express my sympathy to you. Bill was a charming , honorable and sincere person. The community as well as your family will mss him.Sincerely, Shirley Backer8570 Olde MillTraceIndianapolis IN 46260"

Ruth Ann Walker wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"I would like to extend by sympathies to the family of William A. Brennan, Jr. IIt was an honor and I was blessed to have known Bill, and be encouraged by him by his compassion for others. His truth, integrity, faith, family, work ethics, positive attitude and will to give was refreshing. Bill always give everyone the benefit of the doubt..Bill shall be missed however, he will always be in my heart and in the words of wisdom I can still hear him say to me.Fondly,Ruth Ann Walker"

Robert J Beckerich JR wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

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william l beckerich wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

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Borden Crews wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

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James Chalfin wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Rest in Peace."

James Chalfin wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Rest in Peace."

Kristen Wolfram wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"I was so sorry to read about Mr. Brennan. It brought back a world of wonderful memories from "the neighborhood". My thoughts are with all of you. Peace, Kristen Wolfram"

Tom Lewis wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

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Orlando Chamberlain wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

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John I WhiteIII wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

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John and Susan Neal wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

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jack and Julia Wickes wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"It was a joy knowing and working with Bill. We will miss him."

Bishop Gerald A. Gettelfinger wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Bill Brennan was my mentor in so many ways, but most of all in Scouting with Scout Troop #174 of Immaculate Heart. He was a man of principle in everything he did, but he also was a thoughtful and caring man. Bill demonstrated that to me in a most personal way. While in the wilderness of the Boundary Waters Area of Canada, my father suffered a cerebral hemorrhage. I learned of it upon our return through Monsignor Jack Ryan who was on the trip with us 40 scouts and leaders. He was asked by the Canadian Waters Outfitters to inform me. Bill Brennan made the arrangements for me to fly from Duluth, Minnesota to Louisville, Kentucky in a matter of minutes upon after our 25 mile bus trip to Ely, Minnesota. He had purchased the ticket for me. He also personally took me to the airport in Duluth and saw me off. Not only that, after my father died, Bill and Louise came to the wake for my Father in Ramsey, Indiana some 130 miles from Indianapolis. Bill and I served together on the Board for St. Augustine's home and in consultation on properties for the Archdicoese of Indianapolis when I was chancellor.Most of all, Bill Brennan and Louise have been beloved friends of mine for nearly40 years. They had no idea of the impact they made on my life. Yet, they in all that had a great influence in forming me to be the man, priest and bishop that I am today. I am confident that the Risen Lord has already embraced Bill and Louise. I suspect Bill may even have some real estate for St. Peter to consider!Tomorrow morning, Monday, since I cannot be at the funeral due to other committments, I will offer Holy Mass in my chapel here at home for Bill, Louise and all the family. Love and prayers to all the family,+Bishop Gerald A. Gettelfinger AKa Father "G""

Greg Morrison And Morris Davis wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"To the family and especially Martha Legue, We just found out about your Dad this morning, Monday 30th, we would have both been to the services if we had known sooner. We're very sorry to here of your loss. Morris had known your Dad for years, I only had the pleasure more recently, but I want you to know He was one of the finest and most interesting men I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Our sympathy to your Family"

Linda (Smith) Tatum wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Know the "Smith" family is think about you at this tough time. How proud you must be of your father and his accomplishments. Count on our prayers for your family.Fondly, Linda (Smith) Tatum"

Kathy Rocap Williams wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Dear Cousins,It is with sadness that I write this note. Your dad was so special and it seems as if it was just a few days ago that I saw him. The last time was this past September at IHM as he was attending Mass just before you were taking him out to celebrate his birthday. How wonderful for me that I think of him at church and at our beloved IHM. He was such a happy person, always with a twinkle in his eyes. You five are his legacy and he was so proud of all of you. I know that you will miss him and that your hearts will be empty but he is so happy in Heaven playing with your mom and teasing her! Know that I am thinking and praying for you.Love,Kathy"